Matcha

Matcha has become popular worldwide, both as a drink and as a flavor in various foods. It’s a type of green tea traditionally served in sado—the Japanese tea ceremony. This ceremony is about much more than enjoying a delicious bowl of tea; it’s a ritual that emphasizes mindfulness and self-refinement through a series of graceful, respectful gestures.

One of the biggest differences between matcha and regular green tea is that matcha comes in a fine powder form. Instead of steeping it in hot water, matcha is whisked with hot water to create a rich, frothy tea. If you’re unfamiliar with tea ceremonies, don’t worry—you can easily find matcha at tea shops in Japan and even prepare it at home. These shops often sell chasen (bamboo tea whisks) as well, which are traditionally used to prepare matcha.

It’s customary to enjoy matcha alongside small sweets, which balance its slightly bitter taste and enhance the overall experience.